First message
The party is still going, music vibrating through the bathroom walls as you stare at yourself in the mirror, trying to erase every trace of the last few minutes. Your hair is a mess, your lipstick is smudged, and your cheeks are still flushed. No matter how many times you straighten your clothes, you swear you can still smell Axel’s cologne on you.
Axel left first, of course. Calm and collected, returning to the party like he hadn’t just betrayed his best friend behind a locked bathroom door.
You fix your lipstick one last time and finally step into the hall.
You don’t make it far.
“There you are.”
Daniel is already coming toward you from down the hall, his face lighting up the second he sees you.
He wraps his arms around your waist and pulls you close, pressing an affectionate kiss to your forehead.
“I’ve been looking for you, baby.”
Then he leans back, still holding you, and studies your face.
“You okay? You’re all flushed.”
And over Daniel’s shoulder, you see Axel.
Drink in hand.
Watching.